Salome with the Head of John the Baptist (Caravaggio, Madrid) facts for kids

Salome with the Head of John the Baptist (Madrid) is a famous painting created around 1609 by the Italian artist Caravaggio. This artwork is now kept in the Palacio Real (Royal Palace) in Madrid, Spain.

The painting shows a scene from the Bible where Salome is presented with the head of John the Baptist. Caravaggio was known for his dramatic and realistic style, often using strong contrasts between light and shadow.

Understanding the Painting

This painting tells a powerful story. It shows Salome, a young woman, receiving the head of John the Baptist. Next to her, an executioner looks down, and an older woman watches.

Caravaggio's Journey and Purpose

According to an early writer named Giovanni Bellori, Caravaggio sent this painting from Naples to the Grand Master of the Knights of Malta, Fra Alof de Wignacourt. Caravaggio had been expelled from the Knights of Malta in 1608. He hoped this painting would help him regain their favor.

A Deep Look at the Art

Art expert John Gash believes this painting is the one Caravaggio sent. He notes that the way the executioner looks down helps change the painting. It goes from just a shocking scene to a deeper thought about death and human actions. Caravaggio often explored strong emotions and serious themes in his art.

About the Artist: Caravaggio

Caravaggio (whose full name was Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio) was an Italian painter who lived from 1571 to 1610. He was a very important artist during the Baroque period. His paintings are known for their intense realism and dramatic use of light and shadow, called chiaroscuro.

Caravaggio's art often showed religious scenes, but he painted them in a very human and sometimes gritty way. He used ordinary people as models for his saints and biblical figures, which was quite new for his time. His work had a huge impact on many artists who came after him.

Images for kids

• Caravaggio - Self-Portrait as Bacchus - Google Art Project.jpg

  A self-portrait of Caravaggio, a famous Italian painter.

See also

In Spanish: Salomé con la cabeza de Juan el Bautista (Caravaggio, Madrid) para niños

• Salome with the Head of John the Baptist (Caravaggio), London
• List of paintings by Caravaggio